scholarly journals But What’s Your Partner Up to? Associations Between Relationship Quality and Pornography Use Depend on Contextual Patterns of Use Within the Couple

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Kohut ◽  
Kiersten A. Dobson ◽  
Rhonda N. Balzarini ◽  
Ronald D. Rogge ◽  
Amanda M. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Sex Drive ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Use Behavior

It is commonly assumed that exposure to pornography harms relationships because pornography changes the way that individuals think, feel, and behave in problematic ways. In the current research, we contribute to a small but growing body of work that challenges this assumption by carefully scrutinizing the relational context of pornography use. In contrast to dominant theoretical explanations in this field, we argue that at least some of the apparent negative “impacts” of pornography use on relationship quality may reflect partner dissimilarity in pornography use behavior rather than the consequences of exposure to such materials. Moreover, we further examine a particular type of pornography use – shared use with a partner – which previous evidence suggests may be positively associated with relationship quality. To this end, we sought to test whether dyadic patterns of pornography use, and related attributes, were associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction in two cross-sectional (N1 = 200; N3 = 207) and two longitudinal (N2 = 77; N4 = 277) samples of heterosexual couples. Across these samples, we found consistent evidence that partners who watch pornography together report higher relationship and sexual satisfaction than partners who do not, and notably, this association was not moderated by gender. Independent of this association, we also found evidence of a similarity-dissimilarity effect, such that the solitary pornography use of one partner was negatively associated with their own relationship and sexual satisfaction, but only in cases where their romantic partners used little or no pornography alone. Further consideration of several correlates of pornography use established comparable patterns of results for dissimilarity in attitudes toward pornography, erotophobia-erotophilia, sexual preferences, and sex drive. Importantly, only dissimilarity in sex drive statistically accounted for dissimilarity in solitary pornography use, suggesting that differences in sex drive may be implicated in the associations between pornography use and relationship quality. These findings demonstrate that links between pornography use and relationship health are partially a function of different dyadic patterns of pornography use within couples and do not always suggest relational harm.

scholarly journals But What’s Your Partner up to? Associations between Relationship Quality and Pornography Use Depend on Contextual Patterns of Use within the Couple

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor Kohut ◽  
Kiersten Dobson ◽  
Rhonda Nicole Balzarini ◽  
Ronald D Rogge ◽  
Amanda Michelle Maddox Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Relationship Functioning ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Sex Drive ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Partner Similarity ◽  
The Impact

It is commonly assumed that pornography use harms relationships. In the current research, we contribute to a small but growing body of work that challenges this assumption by examining an alternative explanatory mechanism for the associations between pornography use and relationship dysfunction. In contrast to dominant exposure-based explanations in this field, we argue instead that the apparent negative “impact” of pornography use on relationship quality may be the product of partner similarity or differences in pornography use behavior. Independent of any direct causal effect of sexual media, we would expect that negative relationship functioning should be more prominent among couples who are dissimilar in their pornography use, because dissimilarity in this behavior suggests broader dissimilarity in sexual interests, preferences, and values. To this end, we sought to test whether dyadic patterns of pornography use, and related attributes, were associated with sexual and relationship satisfaction in two cross-sectional (N = 407; n1 = 200; n3 = 207) and two longitudinal (N2 = 77; N4 = 529) samples of heterosexual couples. Across studies, results indicated that shared pornography use and partner similarity in solitary pornography use relative to dissimilarity in solitary pornography use were both associated with better sexual satisfaction and to a lesser extent, relationship satisfaction. Further consideration of potential explanatory mechanisms for these associations established comparable patterns of results for similarity-dissimilarity in attitudes towards pornography, erotophobia-erotophilia, sexual preferences, and sex drive. Importantly, only similarity-dissimilarity in sex drive statistically accounted for the effects of similarity-dissimilarity in solitary pornography use. These findings demonstrate that links between pornography use and relationship health are partially a function of different dyadic patterns of pornography use within couples, a pattern of results that is difficult to account for with traditional exposure-based theories of the impact of pornography.

scholarly journals The Potential Associations of Pornography Use with Sexual Dysfunctions: An Integrative Literature Review of Observational Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Diana Dwulit ◽  
Piotr Rzymski
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Dysfunctions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delayed Ejaculation ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Pornography Use ◽  
Existing Data

This paper reviews the associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunction based on evidence from observational studies. The existing data in this regard mostly derive from cross-sectional investigations and case reports. There is little if no evidence that pornography use may induce delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, although longitudinal studies that control for confounding variables are required for a full assessment. The associations between pornography use and sexual desire may differ between women and men although the existing data is contradictory and causal relationships cannot be established. The strongest evidence is available for the relation of pornography use with decreased sexual satisfaction, although the results of prospective studies are inconsistent. The paper outlines future research prospects beneficial in understanding the nature of associations between pornography use and sexual dysfunctions in men and women.

scholarly journals The Detriments of Unmet Sexual Ideals and Buffering Effect of Sexual Communal Strength

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhonda Nicole Balzarini ◽  
SHaRe Lab ◽  
Kiersten Dobson ◽  
Taylor Kohut ◽  
Stephanie Raposo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Relational Quality ◽  
Perceived Partner Responsiveness ◽  
Ideal Standards ◽  
Communal Strength ◽  
Partner Responsiveness ◽  
The Ideal

Despite the importance of sex for the maintenance of satisfying romantic relationships, our understanding of a person’s sexual ideals—the traits and attributes a person desires in a sexual partner or experience—and what might buffer against lower satisfaction associated with unmet sexual ideals, is limited. Across four studies including cross-sectional, dyadic, longitudinal, and experimental methods (N = 1,532), we draw on the Ideal Standards Model and theories of communal motivation to examine whether unmet sexual ideals are associated with lower sexual satisfaction and relationship quality and test whether higher sexual communal strength—the motivation to meet a partner's sexual needs—buffered these effects. Across studies, when individuals perceived their partner to fall short in meeting their sexual ideals, they reported poorer sexual and relationship quality. People with partners low in sexual communal strength reported poorer sexual satisfaction and relationship quality when their sexual ideals were unmet, but these associations were attenuated among people with partners who were high in sexual communal strength. Perceived partner responsiveness—both in general (Study 2) and to a partner’s sexual needs specifically (Study 3)—was one reason why people with partners high in sexual communal strength were buffered against the lower sexual and relational quality associated with unmet ideals. Please note this manuscript has received provisional acceptance in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Applying the developmental model of marital competence to sexual satisfaction: Associations between conflict resolution quality, forgiveness, attachment, and sexual satisfaction

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752098485
Author(s):  
David B. Allsop ◽  
Chelom E. Leavitt ◽  
Matthew T. Saxey ◽  
Joshua E. Timmons ◽  
Jason S. Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Developmental Model ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

Sexual satisfaction is a complex construct that is affected by many diverse factors. Without a comprehensive framework guiding their work, scholars and practitioners who work with married couples may inadvertently focus on a single factor affecting sexual satisfaction and subsequently limit the effectiveness of their research and practice. Through discussion and an empirical example, the current study explores how the developmental model of marital competence—a comprehensive theory for understanding marital processes—can be used by scholars and practitioners to guide their work on sexual satisfaction and broaden their approach. Utilizing U.S. nationally representative data from 2,114 mixed-sex couples and guided by the actor-partner-interdependence-model, cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between wives’ and husbands’ sexual satisfaction and three factors—conflict resolution quality, forgiveness, and anxious and avoidant attachment—that correspond to the three domains of the developmental model of marital competence—marital communication, marital virtues, and marital identities—were tested. Results of the current study provide empirical support for the use of the developmental model of marital competence when approaching work on sexual relationships among married, heterosexual couples. For both partners, variables from each of the three domains of this model were associated with sexual satisfaction cross-sectionally, and variables in one domain—attachment avoidance and anxiety—were associated with changes in sexual satisfaction over time. The merits of researchers and practitioners integrating the developmental model of marital competence into their work are discussed.

Interpersonal effects of health-related social control: Positive and negative influence, partner health transformations, and relationship quality

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 3986-4004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie J. Young ◽  
Tricia J. Burke ◽  
Melissa A. Curran
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Social Control ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Maintenance Behaviors ◽  
Health Related

It is common for romantic partners to influence one another’s health maintenance behaviors. Previous research has examined positively and negatively framed social control messages to understand health behavior outcomes and relational affect; however, this study confirms and extends previous research by studying the associations between health transformations (from interdependence theory, health behaviors enacted for the partner) and relationship satisfaction. Data from a cross-sectional dyadic survey of heterosexual couples were analyzed using actor–partner independence models. As expected, dyadic results showed that positive social control was associated with greater healthy and fewer unhealthy partner transformations, whereas negative social control was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and more unhealthy transformations. Further, the breadth of partner health behaviors that individuals attempt to influence moderated the associations between social control and relationship satisfaction and health transformations. We discuss how the results from this study underscore the health implications associated with the nature and breadth of social control communication in romantic relationships.

scholarly journals Solitary and joint online pornography use during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal: Intrapersonal and interpersonal correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Casual Partner ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Online Pornography ◽  
Pornography Use

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced several people into social isolation and research has shown a paradoxical effect on people’s sexual functioning. Some people experienced decreases in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction, whereas others experienced heightened sexual desire and made new additions to their sexual repertoire, including more online pornography use, during the lockdown. Yet, studies failed to examine its interpersonal and intrapersonal correlates, distinguish between solitary and joint use, or explore differences between partnered and single people. We examined if changes in solitary or joint online pornography use since the lockdown were associated with sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, perceived health, and sleep quality. We conducted an online cross-sectional study with convenience sampling in Portugal (N = 303 participants; 56.3% men; Mage = 31.32, SD = 10.55; 71.0% in a relationship) during May and July 2020. Partnered participants who reported increases in solitary online pornography use also reported decreases in their sex life quality. For partnered and single participants, increases in joint online pornography use were associated with increases in sex life quality. Single participants who reported increases in solitary online pornography use also perceived better health and sleep quality, and those who reported increases in joint online pornography use also reported more intimacy with casual partner(s) and better sleep quality. These findings suggest that online pornography might have beens used as a sexual pleasure tool to connect with a stable or casual partner(s) in a time when social interactions were restricted.

scholarly journals Sexual and psychological health of couples with azoospermia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12162
Author(s):  
Meng Dong ◽  
Yanqiang Tao ◽  
Shanshan Wu ◽  
Zhengtao Li ◽  
Xiaobin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Premature Ejaculation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pornography Use

Background To date, there have been no reports on the sexual and psychological health of patients with azoospermia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous studies on the sexual health of couples with azoospermia are limited and are especially lacking in data on the wives of azoospermic men. Methods We conducted a case–control cross-sectional study between 1 July 2020 and 20 December 2020. In total, 100 couples with azoospermia comprised the experimental group and 100 couples with normozoospermia comprised the control group. The couples’ sexual health was measured using standardised sexual function questionnaires (male: International Index of Erectile Function-15 [IIEF-15] and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool [PEDT]; female: Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]) and a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate changes in sexual behaviours (sexual satisfaction, desire, frequency of sexual activity, masturbation, and pornography use) during lockdown. The couples’ psychological health was measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to analyse the associations between sexual health and psychological health. Results The IIEF-15 scores (53.07 ± 11.11 vs. 57.52 ± 8.57, t =  − 3.17, p = 0.00) were lower and the PEDT scores (6.58 ± 3.13 vs. 5.17 ± 2.22, t = 3.67, p = 0.00) and incidence of premature ejaculation (χ2 = 14.73, p = 0.00) were higher for men with azoospermia than for men with normozoospermia. Compared with those of wives of men with normozoospermia, the total FSFI scores (25.12 ± 5.56 vs. 26.75 ± 4.82, t =  − 2.22, p = 0.03) of wives of men with azoospermia were lower. The chi-square test showed that the perceived changes in sexual satisfaction (χ2 = 7.22, p = 0.03), frequency of masturbation (χ2 = 21.96, p = 0.00), and pornography use (χ2 = 10.90, p = 0.01) were significantly different between the female groups with azoospermia and normozoospermia, but there were no significant changes in sexual behaviour between the male groups. The GAD-7 (men: 7.18 ± 5.56 vs. 5.68 ± 4.58, p = 0.04; women: 6.65 ± 5.06 vs. 5.10 ± 3.29, p = 0.01) and PHQ-9 scores (men: 10.21 ± 6.37 vs. 7.49 ± 6.10, p = 0.00; women: 8.81 ± 6.50 vs. 6.98 ± 4.43, p = 0.02) were significantly higher for couples with azoospermia than for couples with normozoospermia. The APIM showed that for couples with azoospermia, sexual function negatively correlated with their own anxiety (men: β = −0.22, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.38, p = 0.00) and depression symptoms (men: β = −0.21, p = 0.00; women: β = −0.57, p = 0.00) but not with their partner’s anxiety and depression symptoms (p > 0.05). Conclusions Couples with azoospermia had a lower quality of sexual function and higher levels of psychological distress than couples with normozoospermia. Their sexual health negatively correlated with psychological distress.

The dyadic influences of mindfulness on relationship functioning

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 2941-2951
Author(s):  
Julianne M. McGill ◽  
Leah K. Burke ◽  
Francesca Adler-Baeder
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Relationship Functioning ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Couple Functioning ◽  
Coping Theory ◽  
Acting With Awareness ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Future Work

Using family stress and coping theory, the current study assessed dyadic influences of specific facets of mindfulness ( nonreactivity, acting with awareness, and nonjudgment), accounting for stress levels, on relationship quality and sexual satisfaction in an ethnically and economically diverse sample of 847 married and unmarried heterosexual couples. Results from actor–partner interdependence models indicated a positive association between one’s own report and partners’ report of nonreactivity and one’s own reports of relationship quality for both men and women. Men’s and women’s acting with awareness was associated with women’s sexual satisfaction. Nonjudgment was not uniquely associated with one’s own or one’s partner’s relationship quality or sexual satisfaction. Since the majority of research on mindfulness and relationship quality uses broad global measures of mindfulness, this study provides novel information on the comparative strength of dimensions of mindfulness on distinct areas of couple functioning using a dyadic approach. Suggestions for future work and implications for research and practice are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document